Shivan

My musical dreams started like many do – as a teenager, I fell in love with a handful of albums, and picked up a guitar, pen, and paper.  That was 13 years ago, and it has been a long and unusual musical journey to where I am now.

As a scientist for nearly a decade by training and trade at UC Berkeley and UCLA, I have learned how to work carefully and methodically.  This is something that I once held at odds from the “magic” of art – but I have come to appreciate that my education as a molecular biologist has led to surprising influences on my songwriting – I find myself more dedicated to my art than ever before and willing to pour humble work and revision into a song until I have achieved what I set out to do. Nothing in this world comes without sacrifice – and certainly not a finely crafted art.

Through playing countless open mic nights and indie shows across LA, and collaborating with artists wherever I find them, I have slowly matured and revised my music enough to realize that it will never truly finish evolving.  I have been in several bands and played with countless musicians, but I am excited to now blaze my own trail now as a solo artist and engage in carefully crafted collaborations. Perhaps most of all, I appreciate the level of control that solo work affords me to utilize my dedication and persistence to its fullest potential.

Since finding myself a teenager entrenched in the discomfort of growing up, there has been nowhere I feel more at home than on stage singing and playing with all my heart.  I think I play with an uncommon level of passion, and my love for the art is tangible to anyone listening.  Working full-time, as many musicians do, and in a position that requires all of my intellectual energy, it has been a struggle to make an intensely creative project like my solo work into a reality.  But I have come far, and realized that barriers will never stop appearing – nor will they ever be impossible to overcome.  Hard work, persistence, devotion, and love are very powerful tools.

Finally, I have always been involved in community service and I have tried my hardest to be thoughtful in the decisions I make throughout my life (of course not without making my share of mistakes).  That may sound disconnected from my music, but I have always felt that it describes a mission I have with my art.  I hope that my music will be a platform by which to reach people – with a little social clout and with a medium by which to gather attention, one can contribute a lot to forward progress in the world.  I have specific plans to expand my artistry to include raising money, raising awareness for causes, playing and organizing charity events – and most of all to bring people together who want to try to make a difference.  Ideas and movements grow as do human beings: through nurturing, and positive amplification. I am excited to establish a career in the music industry, to which I bring a unique background.  To perform my music for others and reach more ears with my recordings has been a goal I have treasured throughout my life. Equally important to self-betterment in this ambition, though, is what my work in music can do for others.  With a little love from audiences that appreciate the songs I sing, and the power of the internet to reach and stay connected with people all over the world, I hope I can make my contribution to this earth. Thank you for checking out my music!